Brazil Copa America 2021: Court Demands Pres. Jair Bolsonaro to Provide Information on Football Match
A judge from the supreme court of Brazil demanded President Jair Bolsonaro to submit information or details regarding the country's last-minute decision to host the Copa America 2021 football tournament in the country. Al Jazeera reported that the decision of the president came as Brazil faced its ongoing struggles with COVID-19.
The demand was made by Ricardo Lewandowski and was issued as a response to the suit filed by the opposition Worker's Party, which is against holding the tournament due to the country's health situation.
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Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro Defended the Decision Regarding Copa America 2021
Lewandowski gave Bolsonaro at least five days to submit the information regarding Brazil's approval in hosting Copa America 2021. Analysts also warned that the country would be hit by another wave of the COVID-19 by late June.
Despite the warning and health emergencies, BBC reported that Bolsonaro said that the decision about Copa America was not up for discussion because the tournament does not pose a health risk. Furthermore, Bolsonaro also noted that he had spoken with the health minister, and they had agreed to host the event.
"As far as it is up to me, and all the ministers, including the health minister, it is all decided," said Bolsonaro in Al Jazeera. The president of Brazil also added that he regretted the deaths that occurred in the country, but the president pointed out that they "have to live."
The tension in opposing Copa America in Brazil continues to rise. Senator Otto Alencar called out Brazilian Footballer Neymar for assistance.
"You shouldn't agree with the holding of this America's Cup in Brazil," said Alencar, adding that the country needs to compete in vaccination and not in the championship.
Copa America 2021 is supposed to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina in 2020, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, the tournament was pushed back for a year.
Brazil Copa America 2021
On Monday, the South American Football Confederation, CONMEBOL, announced that Brazil was chosen as the host nation of Copa America after Argentina withdrew as the host country.
President Jair Bolsonaro said that four states in Brazil. including Rio De Janeiro will host the matches. Details regarding the three other states who will host the games were not furthered. However, BBC cited AFP saying that six states in Brazil said that they will not be hosting matches because of the ongoing pandemic.
Despite the assurance of Copa America to be held in Brazil, The union of Colombian footballers expressed their sympathies on the sudden change in the host nation.
"The members of the Colombian national team have expressed their concern about the ultimate change of venue," said Acolfutpro in their statement. Acolfutpro also noted that the decision of CONMEBOL gives "uncertainty" to the footballers not only because of the health risk but also due to a normal competition to take place.
The opening match of Copa America in Brazil is scheduled for June 13 and the final is scheduled on July 10.
READ MORE: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Faces Fine for Breaking Country's COVID-19 Mandates
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